Dive Site: Ste Anne Marine Park

About Ste Anne Marine Park

Sainte Anne Marine National Park, located just off the coast of Mahé in Seychelles, is a vibrant protected area encompassing six coral islands: Cerf, Sainte Anne, Long, Moyenne, Ile Cachee, and Round Island. This bioreserve, which spans 14.43 square kilometers, is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, featuring colorful coral reefs, granitic outcrops, and pristine beaches. As the oldest marine protected area in the Seychelles and the Western Indian Ocean, it boasts a rich marine fauna, including over a thousand fish species, eagle rays, pipefish, and sea turtles, with significant nesting populations of critically endangered Hawksbill turtles and endangered Green turtles. The park's inner islands offer ideal conditions for various water activities. The topography predominantly features extensive coral reefs and granitic formations, providing a complex habitat for its abundant marine life. Divers and snorkelers can explore these vibrant reefs, encountering colorful marine animals such as a wide array of reef fish, sea turtles, and even bottlenose dolphins. The shallow waters around islands like Round, Cerf, and Long are perfect for swimming and offer excellent visibility. Dive experiences here cater to a range of skill levels, with calm lagoons ideal for beginners and snorkeling, especially between Moyenne and Sainte Anne islands. While specific current information for diving is not detailed, the general calm nature of the lagoons makes it a placid environment for underwater exploration. The park's accessibility and varied marine habitats make it a popular destination for both casual snorkelers and more dedicated divers.

Dive site facts: Ste Anne Marine Park

Depth

Up to 20 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

Up to 30 m

Water temperature

27–29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Novice to Experienced

Dive type

Coral reefs, marine life sanctuary

Region / port

Mahé, Seychelles

Coordinates

-4.6, 55.51

Conditions & Currents

Ste Anne Marine Park is generally known for its calm and clear waters, making it suitable for divers of various experience levels. While the park does not typically experience strong currents, divers should always be aware of localized conditions, especially in channels between islands, where gentle tidal flows may occur. Visibility is consistently good, often reaching up to 30 meters, particularly during the calmer inter-monsoon periods. Entry and exit are usually straightforward from dive boats, catering to easy access for both snorkeling and diving activities. The park's protected status and lack of significant boat traffic contribute to a serene underwater environment.

Marine life & sighting chances

Hawksbill Turtle

common

Green Turtle

occasional

Lemon Shark

occasional

Blacktip Reef Shark

occasional

Spotted Eagle Ray

occasional

Cowtail Stingray

occasional

Porcupine Ray

occasional

Reef Fish

common

Yellow Snapper

common

Trevallies

common

Nudibranchs

occasional

Bottlenose Dolphin

occasional

Pipefish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives in Ste Anne Marine Park typically begin with a boat entry to one of the numerous reef sites surrounding the six islands. Given the park's shallow average depth, often within the 5-20 meter range, dives are generally leisurely. You'll descend onto vibrant coral gardens, which comprise both hard and soft corals. The dive route usually follows the contours of the reef or seagrass meadows, allowing ample time to observe the abundant reef fish, resident turtles, and various ray species. There is no specific 'turn point' as dives are often exploratory within a designated area. Due to the shallow depths, bottom times can be extensive. Safety stops are conducted at 5 meters, as is standard, with clear visibility facilitating an easy ascent to the surface.

Underwater photography

Ste Anne Marine Park is a fantastic location for underwater photography, particularly for wide-angle and macro shots. The clear, shallow waters and abundant light create excellent conditions for capturing the vibrant coral gardens and schooling reef fish with a wide-angle lens. For macro enthusiasts, the healthy coral provides a home for various nudibranchs and smaller crustaceans, requiring a macro lens to highlight their intricate details. Pay attention to your buoyancy to avoid disturbing the delicate coral ecosystems and respect marine life by maintaining a distance. The park's calm conditions also make it suitable for less experienced photographers to practice their skills without battling strong currents.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Lighthouse Reef (Mahé)

  Lighthouse Reef, situated near Mahé in the Seychelles, presents a captivating underwater experience characterized by thriving reef…

• Shark Bank (Mahé)

  Shark Bank, located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Mahé in open water, is a submerged granite plateau that rises from depths…

• Ennerdale Wreck

  The Ennerdale Wreck, located northeast of Mahé, is one of the Seychelles' most renowned dive sites.

• Conception Island

  Conception Island is a rugged, uninhabited landmass situated approximately two kilometers west of Mahé, the primary island of Seychelles.

• Curieuse Marine Park

  Curieuse Marine Park in the Seychelles offers a unique dive experience nestled among the Inner Islands, renowned for its diverse underwater…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Ste Anne Marine Park is predominantly from Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles, where the international airport (SEZ) is located. Most visitors fly into Mahé and depart from Victoria, the capital, which is in close proximity to the marine park. Day trips by glass-bottom boat or dedicated dive charters are common, with durations typically ranging from 4 to 7 hours, often including snorkeling, island visits, and lunch. Park entry fees are usually included in tour packages. While not a liveaboard destination itself, the park is frequently combined with other Mahé-based dive sites as part of a broader Seychelles diving itinerary. Some liveaboards operating in the region may also include a visit to the park as part of their itinerary.

Safety & environment

Diving in Ste Anne Marine Park is generally considered safe due to its calm and shallow waters. However, divers should always carry appropriate dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and potential evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Victoria, Mahé, emphasizing the importance of prudent dive planning and adherence to safety protocols. Site-specific hazards are minimal, but divers should remain aware of their surroundings and maintain good buoyancy control to protect the fragile coral reefs. It is crucial to respect the park's regulations, including prohibitions against fishing and collecting marine life, to preserve its pristine condition. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow your dive guide's instructions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Ste Anne Marine Park FAQ

Liveaboards diving Ste Anne Marine Park

These liveaboards may visit Ste Anne Marine Park on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Explorer 1

Seychelles

6 guests17 m

$522/day

Sea Pearl

Seychelles

16 guests36 m

$212/day

Sea Bird and Sea Star

Seychelles

18 guests42 m

$288/day